India Inaugurates Asia's First CEPI Pre-clinical Facility

The CEPI Pre-clinical Network Facility, located at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology in Faridabad, India, is the first such facility in Asia and the 9th globally.

Inauguration of CEPI Pre-clinical Network Facility

Inaugurated on July 16, 2024, by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Located at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology, Faridabad
First such facility in Asia and 9th globally
Part of the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI)
Selected by CEPI for its capability to handle BSL3 pathogens
Houses one of India's largest small animal facilities, capacity for 75,000 mice
Can accommodate various species including rats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs

Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMic) Facility

Inaugurated alongside the CEPI facility
Acts as a repository for microbial cultures
Serves research institutes, universities, and industries for R&D
Fosters national and international collaborations
Repository for genetically characterized specific pathogen-free animals
Includes cryopreserved embryos and sperm for researchers

THSTI's Role and Achievements

Part of Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC)
Under Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology
Facilitated signing of over a dozen agreements with private sector
Focus on vaccine development for Nipah Virus, Influenza, and respiratory diseases
Played crucial role during COVID-19 pandemic
Developed Nipah monoclonal antibodies
Supports translational research for drug and vaccine candidates
Identifies biomarkers of disease progression/resolution
Fosters research collaborations across disciplines

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

CEPI Founded in 2017 in Davos, Switzerland
Aims to develop vaccines against future epidemics
Collaboration of public, private, philanthropic, and civil organizations
Focuses on vaccines for Ebola, Lassa virus, MERS, Nipah virus, and others
Developing a library of vaccine candidates for known and unknown pathogens

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